Election gets dirty for Tea Party ‘witch’

Christine O'Donnell's 'I'm not a witch' advert is yet another twist in a remarkable campaign for the Republican senate candidate in Delaware

Christine O’Donnell witch dolls are on sale for the collectible price of $39.95 (Handout)
“I’m not a witch” must be one of the strangest political slogans of all time.
But Christine O’Donnell, the Republican Senate candidate in Delaware, is
hoping it will help her to win over voters as America heads towards the
country’s most expensive and bitterly fought elections.

The advertisement, which has been lampooned mercilessly, shows her speaking in
a soft voice against a smoky grey background and tinkling piano music. “I’m
not a witch. I’m you,” it concludes.

The former chastity campaigner is one of a series of Tea Party women endorsed
by Sarah Palin, the former vice-presidential candidate, who christened them
Mama Grizzlies. Another, Sharron Angle in Nevada, wants to abolish the
United Nations.

Although these women are garnering both national and international attention,
some activists warn that the choice of such radical candidates is harming
the chances of women. As Michelle Obama, the first lady, takes to the
campaign